10 Reasons to Be Excited about the 21st Century Learning Conference

"We believe that it is important for students to see how their education will be useful to them and seek to make connections between the academic work and the world beyond the classroom. "

- Nipmuc Regional High School Beliefs about Learning

On Monday, Nipmuc will host its first "21st Century Learning Conference" for all students. The conference welcomes more than 30 professionals and community leaders to our campus to offer sessions on college, career, and community readiness in partnership with our teachers. The conference is a highlight event of our newly formed 21st Century Learning Center. I'm excited to share some of the many reasons that we are thrilled to host this event!

10 Reasons to Be Excited about the 21st Century Learning Conference

1. Collaboration with professionals and community leaders. We are thrilled to welcome more than thirty professionals, national speakers, and community leaders to run workshop sessions for students.
2. Developing the growth mindset. Based on the research by Carol Dweck, the growth mindset is a belief that our most important abilities – like intelligence or talent – can be developed through hard work and dedication. As the theme of the conference, the growth mindset will be highlighted in the sessions offered by teachers and guest presenters. 
3. Achieving our school goals! Nipmuc has embraced the challenge of teaching & assessing the skills that make our content come to life. Monday’s conference is a feature event of our 21st century learning center as we establish college, career, and community readiness for all of our students. 
4. Professional learning experiences. Our day is modeled after professional conferences. Students had the opportunity to select their sessions and customize their day.
5. A variety of options. Check out our schedule for the event to see the many choices available to our kids.
6. Dressed for success! Part of the professional learning experience is coming dressed for success. Students have been asked to come in business casual dress for a day of professional learning.
7. Meaningful college readiness training. College representatives and our school counselors will offer a variety of sessions on getting ready for college. Some of the college prep sessions include, “Tackling the College Essay”, “Trends in College Admissions: What You Should Know”, “Entering College Undecided – Making the First Year Count”, “Paying for College: Don’t Panic”, and “Be the Best You Can Be: Tips and Tools to Avoid the Freshman 15”.
8. Authentic, real-world learning experiences. Check out our offerings on topics like entrepreneurship, financial literacy, composing a resume, getting your dream job, taking control of your day and many more that give students the chance to build a skill set needed for life beyond high school.
9. Keynotes that will leave a lasting impression. Nipmuc is thrilled to welcome Mike McGuinness, Director of the HR Policy Foundation’s jobipedia.org, and Cindy Taccini, Director of Health Communications for Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc, to provide collaborative keynote and endnote speeches for all students.
10. Providing our students with a competitive advantage. Teaching and learning at Nipmuc has never been more impressive. We’re excited about the many ways that this event expands our curriculum and gives our students the skills they need and the competitive advantage they deserve!